International Workshop on

Agri-Tech and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Farming

Eastern University Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

19th May- 20th May, 2025

The International Workshop on Agri-Tech and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Farming was held from 19th to 20th May 2025 at Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). This two-day event welcomed delegates from Poland, Turkey, Greece, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka for knowledge exchange and collaboration on sustainable agriculture and digital transformation.

Day One featured field visits in Kandy, offering hands-on exposure to Sri Lanka’s agricultural innovation landscape. The international team, guided by Dr. R. Bawatharani, Dr. K. Prasannath, and Mr. G. Niroash, visited the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) to explore seed conservation efforts and biotechnology labs. They proceeded to the Agro Technology Park to observe model home gardens and sustainable techniques, followed by the Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HORDI), where they viewed research on vegetables, tuber crops, and floriculture. The day concluded with a visit to the New Giragama Tea Factory and AiGrow, an agri-tech company promoting smart agriculture. Although weather constraints altered the farm visit schedule, participants gained rich insights into Sri Lanka’s agri-tech ecosystem.

Day Two took place at the EUSL Board Room in Vantharumoolai, Batticaloa, with over 50 attendees including international delegates, students, and local stakeholders. Prof. R.F. Niranjana and Dr. M.S.M. Nafees opened the session, followed by Mrs. Delina Prince introducing the workshop theme. Key presentations included Mr. R. Sivanesan on local farming practices, Prof. Lasantha Adikaram on IoT in agriculture, and virtual sessions by Dr. Adam Cenian and Dr. Erol Sahin. Afternoon speakers Dr. Ngahzaifa Ab Ghani, Dr. Salih Ozcubukcu, and Mr. Lahiru Madhushanka shared practical experiences. A panel led by Dr. R. Bawatharani focused on implementing the AGRHI curriculum. The workshop ended with a souvenir presentation, celebrating two days of international collaboration and innovation in agri-tech.